The Lodge at Deadwood News

Custer State Park featured in the official travel blog for South Dakota

Posted: Mon, September 12, 2011

One of South Dakota’s Great Places is the second largest state park in America, home to one of the world’s largest publicly-owned bison herds, and known for interesting landscapes. It is Custer State Park, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Custer State Park’s 1,300 bison have 71,000 acres to roam. Other wildlife, including pronghorn, elk, mountain goats, prairie dogs, and the park’s entertainers – the begging burros – also can be found at the park. It’s a place where visitors can see the wildlife, up-close and personal, along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road.

The park is not only known for the wildlife, but also the breathtaking scenic views around each corner. From granite formations, known as “The Needles,” to sweeping prairie backdrops and curving creeks, visitors will find the unexpected.

The campgrounds in Custer State Park offer unique landscapes alongside creeks or amidst pine forests. Additionally, Custer State Park Resort company offers several lodging options, including the new Reunion Cabin. Staying in Custer State Park puts you just minutes from three scenic byways; Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road and the Wildlife Loop Road.

There is no shortage of outdoor adventure at the park. Rock climbers test the limits along the “Needles” formations and fly-fishermen can enjoy abundant fishing. Mountain bikers, hikers, photographers, and road cyclists will all find the park exceptional for their trade.

The annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup is one of the grandest events at the park. It’s a weekend filled with Old West entertainment and heart-pounding adventure as cowboys and cowgirls round up nearly 1,300 bison. Thousands of spectators take in this mandatory park management event each September. The 2011 Buffalo Roundup is September 26.